How do I set up a computer repair business?

i am 14 and i absolutely love computers, and i’m always fixing a couple, you know, friends, family… doing stuff in school. I know a lot about computers, i’ve fixed this computer to a “like-new” state after being told it was impossible after being struck by a certain virus. I would love to set up a small business to bring in cash, a teenager my age needs cash! I feel i know enough about computers, to help people and fix them. The question is, what do you think the challenge would be, or how should i charge people?? Also, how could i advertise this and how would i stay organized without having computers piled up. I know, a silly little pointless question but i need cash, and this is the most fun way for me!!

What a great question, actually. When I was a teen, I had a bicycle repair business that I ran out of my garage and I used to solicit the neighbors to wax their cars. Lots of work, not so much reward. Sounds like what you’re doing would offer a better payment for less effort, so I surmise right off the bat that you’re a better businessperson than I was. 🙂
Now, the biggest issue with any sort of service company is to ensure that you set expectations properly regarding what you’ll be delivering, and have a reasonable policy for both pricing and refunds. Specifically, what happens if someone entrusts you to get a virus off their computer and you end up trashing their disk and destroying all their data? It might seem like a bit more scary a business when you have some adult yelling at you for losing their wedding pictures or the report they need to give the boss on Monday.
You can mitigate that by having a very clear liability policy, a document that they sign when they agree to have you work on their computer that says, in essence:

By hiring me to fix your computer, you agree that you have already done an adequate backup to retain all of your important data, and that if, in the course of my repairs, there is any sort of data loss you won’t hold me liable. In addition, while I will make the best efforts to remove any viruses, spyware, etc., it is possible that some will creep on your computer during my repairs, and you agree not to hold me liable for any infections either.

Print it, make them physically sign and date the paper, then keep it on file.
Pricing-wise, that’s a tough one because on the one hand, you can charge whatever the market will bear (a basic economic theory, actually, that the market determines the value of a product or service), but on the other hand, it’s pretty tough to justify a $250/hour rate if you’re a 14yo working out of your dining room. 🙂
I suggest that you call up a couple of the local computer repair facilities and ask them what they charge for basic repairs, hardware and software upgrades, etc., then charge 50%-75% of that rate. If they charge, for example, $75 to install new RAM in a computer, you could charge $49 and get a good amount of business. Charge $25 and you’ll get even more, actually, and as you know, that’s the kind of task that’s pretty easy if you’re comfortable with gear and terrifying if you aren’t.
On the other hand, you don’t want to charge too little, because then you’re undervaluing your skills and won’t have any credibility as a PC tech, 14 or otherwise. If you charged $5 to install RAM, for example, people probably wouldn’t ask you for help because they wouldn’t perceive you as a “real business”.
And in that light, I strongly suggest that you make up some business cards and even perhaps pull together a one page Web site for your business. By having the elements of a professional, you’ll more quickly convey the impression of professionalism, which helps you gain business and charge more. You can get business cards for free from somewhere like VistaPrint.com, and with a bit of fiddling, they’ll look great! Now you can go into the local computer stores and ask if you can stick a pile of your business cards on their bulletin board or otherwise ask a friendly employee to help you get some business.
Finally, remember that people are entrusting you with more than just a piece of gear. Modern computers have lots of memories, lots of important files and even legal documents on them. Make sure you treat their gear with maturity and professionalism and that you demonstrate they haven’t misplaced their trust in you when they give you a computer, laptop or other equipment to fix or upgrade.
Good luck and I hope you can come back in a few months and let us know how things are going!

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I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by
buying you a cup of coffee!

32 comments on “How do I set up a computer repair business?”

I want to thank the blogger very much not only for this post,but also for his all previous efforts.I found this Google search to be greatly interesting. I will be coming back to your site for more information.

I think it is great that you are starting up your own business. I have looked into starting up my own business, but I really don’t know what I am doing when it comes to starting up a business. Do you know if small business insurance is required in Massachusetts, and whether it is important or not?

Hello, I have recently got my NET+ cert and would like to go about starting my own business.. I tried to look online to see how to start but could not find anything because it seems like it is not a common business.. How would I start and how much is it to start? and what would I need to start? I would like to reach to residential private companies, as large corporations. As well as setting up and maintaining the Computers and managing their security If you can I would like to know everything on how to get it st up….

I’ve been in the IT industry since 2001 back in California. It originally started has a hobby but the more and more that i got into it, it started to become my passion.
Starting a computer repair business in today economic enviroment is tough, but if the person is passionate and knows where they want to be they could achieve anything

The fourteen year old who posted this question should contact me. I own a computer business that has investors and am looking for skilled computer people like myself to help. If that’s not an option I can help you in setting some local stuff up. Email me at dolfinmd@mgmail.com

I’m a 21 year old female and I’ve been doing PC repair/building since I was at least 15. I work mostly with Windows 95-XP (Vista makes me want to pull my hair out). But nonetheless, I do it because I enjoy it. I’ve built a stage PC for a local theatre out of spare parts from SEVERAL computers about 3 years ago and it’s still running smooth. (You’d be surprised what people throw away just because something fixable doesn’t work anymore), but then again, one man’s garbage is another’s treasure in this case. I work mostly the hardware portion of computers unless I am 110% absolutely positively certain what the problem is software wise. Unfortunately though, in this case, I have to agree with what one person said before me about the age. It could possibly be difficult for people to take you seriously. I still deal with that. But you shrug off the people who put you down on it if you’re truly confident, and do the best you can do and they will eventually eat their words. Best of luck to ya.

My name is Robert Tucker. I too have started my own computer repair business and I’m looking for some ways to grow my business such as ways that are cheap to advertise but are also good places where lots of people will see the ads.

Only get into the repair business if you know what you are doing. If you find yourself out of your depth you could potentially do a lot of damage and cause a lot of hassle.
Work in a computer repair workshop to gain experience and decide if its what you want to do. Also it is a great way to learn professional troubleshooting processes and how to deal with all types of computers.

I agree with a lot of these posts. Don’t let any of this dis-courage you. A couple of my buddies and I started our own cpu repair business. Check it out at : http://www.voltrixltd.com
Good luck with your endeavors!

Hi Dave!
I have 2 questions. First,I bought a computer 2 months ago and after 3 weeks lot of pop ups on my screen and it is really annoying. Second, its an error code like “wwin.dll” and some more error codes. My computer still running though even these pop-ups and error codes all over my computer. Please, help me how to get rid and stop of those pop ups and errors. Thank you and more power to your website.
Phim

Don’t let your age stop you on building your own business. I repair computer for at least 10 years now. I started it first as a hobby, then later on as a part time job. I started my computer repair shop business only 4 years ago. I wish that I taught about it when I was your age.
While your classmates are busy playing their computer games, you’re here asking how to put up your own business. You will go long places. By the way, here’s my website about computer repair: http://www.edmartechguide.com . You will find plenty of repair tips there that I’m sure will be useful to you.

I am 13 and have been fixing and building computers since i was four or five. I am also trying to start a computer repair business. I have a website, business cards, my own service repair disk, and a great knowledge on fixing just about everything. I havent had a computer that couldn’t be fixed. So what else do i need?

I think this is a wonderful idea. I have an degree in Co. Info. Systems and have been thinking about starting a little business on the side of hooking up computers for people who don’t have much computer knowledge. My grandmother is always having me come over to troubleshoot her computer or hook up her new printer and stuff. Does anyone think this would do well as a service for people? Eventually I can move on to more services for people.

Hmm Dominik, FYI…im not very sure whether im correct but what i think for On-site computer support/service is something like those Technical Support department’s ppl is doing on-site which i online support/service…something like troubleshooting and helping customers thru email…

Hello!
I am 18 years old, graduating H.S. Senior. I am going to open my own home computer repair business. I live in the apartment on the fifth floor. I know it is not a very convenient place to have a PC Repair Shop, but I really hope you can help me out here. Of course I would come down to the customer when they would call. Is it a bad idea to provide service going to the customer’s house? – Only in some cases. My plan is to spread out everywhere; business cards, flyers, and the sheets of paper, informing of opening the shop. I am able to provide service in polish, which I think is better. I also know that there are free web site creators available online. I also want to advertise it in the newspaper. And I am just curious how much putting an advertisement in the yellow book costs?
These are options that I am able to do/provide for now;
-virus removal, spyware/adware removal, and pop-up removal
-virus installation
-operating system recovery
-installing/Upgrading any piece of hardware
-finding and installing windows device drivers
-data backup
-What about these?- Installing programs/software applications and maybe software updates
While attending to college I will be able to provide more. I am not sure yet, how much I supposed to charge them (IL, Chicago suburbs). Can you give me some short and simple agreement sample? Where and how I can get my own made business cards? Is a “ReliableComp��? good for the business name? And Do I need any license or certifications? What is the best way to get the trust from the customers? Is vistaprint.com good to get business cards? And I am not sure about repairing or maintaining laptops.
I am going to attend a college after High School for the major (computer information systems) and I really am interested in it. – Just for extra info.
Please can you give me some honest opinion what you think about all this?
I really appreciate for your time, and I am hopping for your reply.
Thank You

I’m trying to get a little something started on the side. I love troubleshooting and fixing computers. Which softwares should i always have to begin fixing computers on the side? I have all kinds of expansion cards, memory, and hard drives.

Hi, I am 16 and I have been running a business in the area of computer repairs and have gained quite an interest in the area of Townsville, QLD. In fact I get about 6 customers a month on average and more in the holidays. It is a great Niche, especially if you have the skills of SEO to get to the top of search engines once you set up a website. I charge a rate of $30 an hour which is cheaper than most other computer repair work in Townsville. I say go for it. I have even got an ABN number to help me stay in line with the government.

No matter how good your skills are, the biggest barriers that you’re likely to face are:
1. Getting steady, high-paying clients once you’ve exhausted referrals from friends and family
This is a problem no matter whether you’re 14, 34, 54, etc.
Marketing to the RIGHT prospects is a HUGE part of having a profitable computer repair business. You can find all kinds of proven tips for how to do this right on our Web site at http://www.ComputerConsultingKit.net
If you’re serious about the computer repair business, definitely also subscribe to our list at that URL, so you can get invited to one of our upcoming computer repair business Webinars.
2. Your age
Like it or not, most small business owners or managers will have a very hard time forking over $50-$100/hour to a teenager, even if your skills are just as good (if not better) than someone 10-20 years older.
Even when I was in my mid-late 20’s, I still had to “maturize” my image to avoid having narrow-minded entrepreneurs think that my skills weren’t “worth” $100+/hour.
That said, many will be happy to “exploit” a bargain from you if they perceive that they’re getting the skills of a $50-$100/hour computer consultant for $25/hour.
It’s all in the marketing and the positioning.

This is a very interesting topic. I too want to getinto the repair buisiness. I have lots of friends and co-workers comping up to me asking me to do this or that to thier computers or asking for technical advice on software. I know that for now I want to go into a part time endevor and eventually lead to full time. My questions come into more about the legalities and such. Any Ideas? or thaughts?

I was once in your same position reading the same very comments you are reading now. I am 27 now and have a Succuesful Home Based Business http://www.tri-cityonline.com Don’t let these guys scare you. Yeah it is possible you could loose data but most customers unless you are dealing with banks or Goverment Agencies don’t care about whats on their pc some of the times I have had to Reformat drives and used GetDATABack to get all the files back. The only way you could loose data is if you damaged the disk hardware in which case you would have to be really unlucky or an idiot. By the time they get the computer to you it should already be Damaged or Infected thats why they bring it to you so you can fix it. But not everything is about Fixing there is also install of new hardware, software, and Networks. Good Luck As long as you love the business and have pacients to stick by it, it will grow you wont see it, but it will. It’s kinda like looking at a tree.

At 14, I was still taking things apart but unable to put them back together. 🙂 Seriously, by all means open your computer business right now. You have a passion for fixing computers and a need for money. These are a great combination. I have been repairing computers for roughly 17 years and I started as a teenager. The world is a complicated place and always will be. Don’t get “Analysis Paralysis” over lawyers and legal documents. All of this will come as you grow in the business. Business is a risk and for that you get penalty and reward. In my Kansas City computer repair business, I focus on reducing the customers risk by going through a checklist with them and verifying backups have been performed, important documents have been located, etc. If you can afford it now, I would get some business liability insurance to cover mistakes you might make that you can actually put a dollar figure to. Make a list of every calamity that could befall your customer for using your service and keep it with you on every repair visit. Focus on lessening the risk of each customer and you will do well and you will be appreciated by your customers more often that not. I guarantee it! Check out my Computer Repair site at http://www.obcomputerrepair.com for an idea of the fees you can charge after you’ve been around awhile. I would follow Dave’s advice and start low and as your experience, the demand for services and the credibility of your business increases you can increase your fees. I leave you with this quote from Harvey Mackay to take to heart: “There are many formulas for success, but none of them works unless you do.” So get to work!

The contract you use needs to be much more complete than the bit of language above. Most importantly, remember that in most common law jurisdictions, infancy (e.g. being below the age of 18) is a bar to contracting other than for necessities.
Trying to enforce the terms of the contract could waive that protection and subject you to liability. You may still be liable for your own negligence, irrespective of your waiver, and in acting as a professional, you will be held to the standard of care of an adult professional (rather than as a fourteen year old).
All of that is just a general sketch of American law, and you should look to a lawyer or the equivalent in your jurisdiction for complete advice on what liabilities you are undertaking.

Ive never found a virus that will stop you sorting a computer out normally a hard drive wipe is the most needed otherwise replace hard drive,
I havent yet seen one which throws high frequencies through the pc blowing chips.
I guess the PC repair man told you it was unrepairable to try and get some more money
thanks
again

Hi I was building and fixing computers at 12 years old and still do at 23, just because you have fixed a couple of your own and your mate’s doesn’t mean you are ready for this there are many reasons a computer could be having problems and untill you get to the stage where you know whats wrong just looking at it maybe you should wait, What is your OS knowledge e.g. can u use most Linux Distros and install hardware, drivers and software with ease and of course the mac OS which if you know linux you shouldn’t really have a problem with dont just think you can do it because you have fixed a couple its a hole new ball game when the PC is not yours
dont want to put you off but make sure your ready

Thanks, Luis. It’s worth noting that you can always just go to somewhere like download.com or versiontracker.com (I prefer the former for PC software, the latter for Mac software) and find a wealth of great software you can download as freeware, shareware, or trial versions of commercial software, including bookkeeping applications.